粤语是活化石？揭秘唐朝人说话的真实声音

Core Viewpoint - Cantonese is recognized as a "living fossil" of the Tang Dynasty language, preserving ancient phonetic features that provide insights into the authentic sounds of ancient Chinese poetry [1][2]. Linguistic Evidence - Cantonese retains the "checked tone" (入声) characteristic of Tang Dynasty Chinese, which has been lost in Mandarin. For example, the word "尽" is pronounced as "zeon6" in Cantonese, reflecting a more ancient sound compared to Mandarin's "jìn" [3]. - The variety of initial consonants in Cantonese includes voiced and nasal sounds, such as "ng-", which were common in ancient Chinese. For instance, "五" is pronounced "ng5" in Cantonese, while Mandarin simplifies it to "wǔ" [3]. - Cantonese has a rich set of final sounds and maintains a four-tone system that includes the "checked tone," allowing for more poetic and rhythmic expression in recitations [4]. Cultural Significance - Cantonese serves as a bridge connecting ancient and modern Chinese culture, allowing for the preservation and transmission of Tang poetry, which remains vital in educational and cultural contexts in Hong Kong [10]. - The language embodies the memories of Southern migrants who preserved the Tang cultural essence, symbolizing the resilience of Chinese civilization [11]. - Globally, Cantonese acts as a marker of Chinese identity, especially in overseas Chinese communities, and has influenced popular culture through films and music [12]. Current Challenges - Despite its historical significance, Cantonese faces the risk of becoming a "fossil" due to the increasing prevalence of Mandarin and globalization, leading to a potential cultural disconnect among younger generations [13].